Father all set for emotional bike challenge

David Sedgwick

A father is gearing up for an epic challenge to raise funds in memory of his daughter.

Barry Nicholson, from Bedlington, is cycling 220 miles in memory of his daughter Katherine.

It just seemed a great opportunity to raise more funds and awareness for CLDF in Katherine’s memory

Barry Nicholson

He is aiming to raise £500 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) by cycling from the charity’s head office in Birmingham to Newcastle in time for the opening ceremony of the British Transplant Games, where Katherine was a regular competitor before she died last year whilst awaiting her third liver transplant.

Barry said: “Katherine used to represent Birmingham Children’s Hospital at the Games and we would meet many friends from all around the country at this event every year.

“She was a keen fundraiser for CLDF herself as the charity had provided our family with support and information all the way along.

“They also fund research into children’s liver disease which we hope will one day benefit other young people like Katherine.”

Barry will set off from Birmingham on Tuesday, July 28, and will cycle unsupported via Chesterfield and York, planning to arrive in Newcastle on July 30, in time for the Transplant Games opening ceremony.

He added: “I admit it’s a bonkers idea and I didn’t think we would go to the Transplant Games again after Katherine died but as it’s on our doorstep this year, how could I ignore it?

“It just seemed a great opportunity to raise more funds and awareness for CLDF in Katherine’s memory.”

Alison Taylor, chief executive of CLDF, said: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all forms of liver disease and we rely on community fundraising for the majority of our income.

“So we are truly grateful that Barry has chosen to honour Katherine’s memory in this way.

“Just a week after we hear that the number of organ donors has fallen, it is very fitting that Barry is taking on this challenge to honour a remarkable young lady who died waiting for a transplant.

“It would be a wonderful tribute to Katherine if, as well as supporting Barry in his challenge, people could sign up to the Organ Donor Register and tell their loved ones of their wishes.”